21 January 2021
We would like to provide you with an update from Whiddon.
The local Public Health Unit have advised that residents can receive external visitors, however this has strict guidelines which are listed below. We understand that many people may feel nervous about this, however if the below guidelines are followed then any risk can be minimised.
We are also encouraging employees and visitors to have a booster vaccine if they are eligible to do so.
Current visitation guidelines are as follows:
- One fully vaccinated visitor, per resident, per day, is permitted
- Visits are to occur between 9am and 12pm and 1pm and 4pm on weekdays (visits outside of these hours will be at the discretion of management and only when there is employee capacity to do so)
- There will be limits to the numbers of visitors who can book in at each time to enable management of capacity limits
- All visits must be pre-booked
- Where possible, outdoor visits will be encouraged
- Visits cannot not take place in communal areas
- All visitors must wear PPE, including an N95 mask and a face shield, this will be provided to visitors (visitors can re-use the face shield provided on their next visit)
- Only visitors over 12 years old are permitted and all visitors must have received a second dose of a COVID vaccination at least 14 days prior to their visit
- Visitors will be asked to complete a rapid antigen test as a condition of entry
- Unvaccinated visitors can only undertake a window visit (which must be pre-booked) and must not enter the home, except when the residents is at the end of life.
Please ensure the following:
- Refrain from visiting if you have COVID-19 symptoms
- Refrain from visiting if you are a close or casual contact of a person with confirmed COVID-19, unless they have completed their isolation and testing requirements. Close contacts should not enter high risk settings for at least 14 days since their exposure to a COVID-positive person
- Refrain from visiting if you have been overseas in the previous 14 days, unless you are fully vaccinated and have received a negative PCR test 7 days or later after arrival in NSW
- Refrain from visiting if you are waiting for a COVID-19 test result
- Practice good hand hygiene and socially distance
- Check in to the Service NSW app AND Whiddon’s check-in system when you visit
With cases of COVID-19 remaining high in our communities, we do ask that you follow our guidelines and remain vigilant. It is important that we all take steps to help keep everyone safe.
The last few weeks have been challenging, however the hard work from all employees has seen very few residents develop COVID-19. We thank you for keeping our residents safe and for your dedication and support through these extraordinary times.
Arthur Webb Court
There have not been any residents test positive to COVID-19 at Arthur Webb Court. Residents are able to leave their rooms and move around their immediate area. However, we are asking that residents do not move between the different levels of Arthur Webb Court.
Easton Park Units
We are pleased to advise that the residents at Easton Park Units who had previously tested positive to COVID-19 have now recovered. As per the directives of the local Public Health Unit, these residents must continue to isolate in their rooms until Monday.
Sir David Martin
On Level 1 (ground floor), we do not have any residents who currently have COVID-19.
On Level 2, there are now four residents that have tested positive to COVID-19.
Please note that residents who have tested positive to COVID-19 are required to stay in their rooms at the advice of the local Public Health Unit. All other residents are able to leave their rooms. Residents in the affected areas, must stay in the immediate vicinity of their room and adjacent lounge areas. Zoning of areas helps minimise the spread of Covid-19.
It is expected that on Monday, two of the residents who had previously tested positive to COVID-19, will no longer need to isolate, and the immediate area surrounding their rooms will no longer be isolated from the rest of the building. This is welcome news.
Taylor House
We currently do not have any residents who have tested positive to COVID-19 in Taylor House. Residents are able to leave their rooms and move around their immediate area. We are asking that residents do not move between the different levels and wings of Taylor House.